luxury

Great comfort provided by expensive surroundings and beautiful things.

• They lived in luxury.
• The hotel offers comfort and luxury.
• After years of hardship, she enjoyed a life of luxury.

How to use it: in luxury (They spent the weekend in luxury at a seaside hotel.)

Similar words: opulence, splendour

Opposites: poverty

Common phrases: live in luxury, absolute luxury, a life of luxury

An expensive thing that you would enjoy having but do not need.

• A yacht is a luxury.
• We can't afford luxuries like designer clothes.
• For him, a private swimming pool was the ultimate luxury.

Similar words: extravagance

Opposites: necessity

Common phrases: an expensive luxury, afford a luxury, luxury goods

Something pleasant that is not necessary and may not always be available.

• A quiet morning is a luxury.
• We didn't have the luxury of choosing our seats.
• She enjoyed small luxuries, like breakfast in bed.

How to use it: the luxury of something/doing something (I enjoyed the luxury of sleeping late.)

Similar words: treat, indulgence

Opposites: necessity

Common phrases: a rare luxury, luxury of time, a small luxury

Providing special pleasure or comfort beyond what is necessary.

• Chocolate was a luxury item.
• We removed the luxury extras from our shopping list.
• A heated seat is a luxury feature I enjoy.

Similar words: nonessential, indulgent

Opposites: essential

Common phrases: luxury items, luxury extras, luxury purchase